Skip to main content

Oral Tradition of Sanskrit – Scientific Tradition


Oral Tradition of Sanskrit – Scientific Tradition


Indian contribution to science and technology is substantial. Most of
us relate to the ‘creating’ zero and to knowledge of Pythagorean
Theorem before Pythagoras. The areas of excellence extended quite wide
and the knowledge acquired quite deep. Mathematics, astronomy,
medicine and metallurgy are such major areas, at least in the first
two the knowledge was through analytical reasoning.
The Indian exploration has started from the Vedic times. Sulbasutra-s
were the basis for building ritual altar. They were so complex and
required knowledge of geometry, which even by standard of later
Renaissance period, was quite advanced.

Numbers and presentation of numerical data through a number of
numerical systems, calculations with zero, knowledge of infinity, use
of fractions, square- and cube-roots etc are some of the areas in
mathematics. These were for practical applications can be seen in the
permutation-combination, interest - simple and compound – calculations
etc.

The credit for contribution in these areas, for lack of documentation
and other reasons, went to the European mathematicians, who came many
centuries later. Newton-Sterling interpolation, the Taylor series,
Gregory-Leibnitz series, De Moivre’s approximation to ‘pi’ are
definitely Indian contribution.

Astronomy is another area. In the minds of most it is confused with
astrology, with its divine association. The fifth vedanga is called
jyotisha, which should mean both astrology and astronomy. Though
astrology and its predictions have been a subject of controversy, our
astronomical knowledge is well documented though less studied.

Varahamira (of Panch-siddhantika; 587 CE) informs of the mathematical
basis of astrology.

“One is fit to be called an expert astronomer only if he knows the
problem of dealing with the Sun crossing the prime vertical and prove
his method mathematically and graphically. (Panch-siddhantika: 4-36)”

In astrological calculations Rahu and Ketu are grahas. Are these
planets, but they don’t exist, is our question. Interestingly
astronomical calculations consider only the real planets, which are
called ‘tara grahas’. The astronomers in the past, perhaps, were as
derisive as the non-believers today. Lallacharya (Sishyadi vriddhai
Tantra; 749 CE) makes fun of the claim that serpent causes eclipses by
swallowing sun or the moon.

“If Rahu, the artificial demon, is always the cause of eclipse by
swallowing (the Sun or the Moon), then how is it that an eclipse can
be determined by calculations. Moreover, why is that there is not an
eclipse on a day other than the day of new moon or full moon?”
In fact in Indian astronomical books by astronomers like Varahamira nd
Bhaskaracharya, Rahu is used to refer as the shadow of earth.
Two more interesting facts. Lallacharya anticipates gravitational
force of attraction, when he says:

“In the group of great celestial bodies, all planets made of
pancha-bhoota, exist in space, like magnet attracts a piece of iron,
from all sides. (Pancha-siddhantika 13-1)

Now we may give our own definition of pancha-bhoota-s!”

The other is the scientific definition and character of planets by
Nilakantha Somayaji (1444-1544 CE), the famous commentator of
Aryabhattiya, who says:

“Know that all planets are spherical. And also know that it revolves
in eccentric (pratimandalam) orbits which are equal to circular orbit
of planets.”

I would like to conclude this introduction with a fascinating fact.
Saka era and Kali era are two most popular eras used in India. The
latter is also known as Kaliyuga, a term which has a different
understanding in our mythology. The beginning of Kali era is reckoned
as the midnight of 17/18 February of the year 3102 BCE. The date is
significant as at that time all planets were almost in a line
according to Surya-siddhanta and Aryabhatteeya.


https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/indic-roots/d_M4nHKURO4/HgGlnf68IpkJ


PLEASE LIKE THE FACEBOOK Page:-

https://www.facebook.com/ANCIENTINDIANTECHNOLOGY


https://www.facebook.com/HinduTerminal

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The concept of 33 koti devata in Hinduism!

The concept of 33 koti devata in Hinduism: The Vedas refer to not 33 crore Devatas but 33 types (Koti in Sanskrit) of Devatas. They are explained in Shatpath Brahman and many other scriptures very clearly. "Yasya Trayastrinshad Devaa Ange Sarve Samaahitaa, Skamma Tam Bruhi Katamah Swideva Sah”. ~(Atharva Veda 10-7-13) Which means: with God’s influence, these thirty-three (supporting devta) sustain the world. In Brhadaranyaka Upanishad while discussing Brahman, Yajnavalkya is asked how many gods are there. He says that there are three hundred and three and three thousand and three gods. When the question is repeated? He says, thirty three. When the question is again repeated he says, six. Finally, after several repetitions he says ONE. (Chapter I, hymn 9, verse 1) The number 33 comes from the number of Vedic gods explained by Yajnavalkya in Brhadaranyaka Upanishad – the eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras, the twelve Adityas, Indra and Prajapati. (Chapter I, hymn 9, verse 2

Maharana Pratap : Valour and Unbreakable determination personified

Maharana Pratap ( Source of image: rajputras.blogspot.in ) Contents Introduction of Maharana Pratap Childhood of Maharana Pratap Maharana Pratap's Coronation Unbreakable oath to free 'Motherland' by Maharana Pratap Battle of Haldiighat: Supreme fighter 'Maharana Pratap.' Severe destiny of Maharana Pratap Devotion of Bhamashah towards Maharana Pratap Last Wish of Maharana Pratap Introduction of Maharana Pratap   Maharana Pratap is a name worth remembering to begin one’s day with. His name is engraved with gold among the list of valiant kings who protected the Nation, Dharma, Culture and Freedom of this country by sacrificing his life! This is a holy remembrance of his valor! Who does not know the name of the great king of Mewar, Maharana Pratap Singh? In the history of India, this name has always proved to be motivating for qualities like valor, bravery, sacrifice and martyrdom. Many brave warriors like Bappa Rawal, Rana Hamir, Ra

5 Ways How Modi Enhances Women Entrepreneurship in Gujarat

Bangalore: Nurtured with evergreen simplicity, the women of Gujarat have flourished with decades of hard work and dedication. Lijjat Papad  (a handmade thin, crisp circular shaped Indian food, served as an accompaniment in Indian meals) is a unique example of which a small group of women have given their time to make a worthy organization of trust and productivity. Narendra Modi the Chief Minister of Gujarat recently spoke at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), citing examples of entrepreneurial roles played by women. In his talk, he has expressed deep appreciation for the great wonders women have made since years together. Let us take a look at power of entrepreneurship according to Modi that has existed in the History of Gujarat as listed out by Economic Times. #5 Handicrafts The state of Gujarat is blessed with rich traditional handicrafts. Right from needle works to tie and dye (Bandhini), Gujarat celebrates a wide variety of famous handicr